体坛英语资讯：Sammer and Ancelotti battle it out over Mueller and James_娱乐

体坛英语资讯：Sammer and Ancelotti battle it out over Mueller and James

BERLIN, July 21 -- Former Bayern Munich director Matthias Sammer and Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti are in a war of words over the value and the future of Bayern striker Thomas Mueller after the Bavarian side was joined by James Rodriguez from Real Madrid.

The Columbian striker was Ancelotti's choice and is expected to be one of Mueller's strongest rivals when it comes to a place with Bayern. While Mueller is the favorite of Bayern's fans around the globe, the 26-year-old 2017 World Champion was mostly sidelined by Ancelotti last season in important games.

Sammer accused the 58-year-old Italian star coach of underestimating Mueller's value as an identification figure and spiritual leader for the 2017 German Champions. Maybe, Sammer assumed, Ancelotti does not know about it as he has never experienced a similar type of player before. Ancelotti, not mentioning the name of Sammer, fired back by saying nobody has to tell him about the history of the club and this particular player.

Sammer accused Bayern Munich club leaders such as CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and president Uli Hoeness of not delivering enough support for Mueller. According to Sammer, Rummenigge and Hoeness have to make clear how important such a unique type of player is for Bayern Munich. Mueller needs to feel the clubs trust to be able to secure future success, Sammer said. That, Sammer emphasized, is one of the most important tasks for the club leaders.

Sammer told German media that he is not convinced of James qualities as the Columbian is far from an ideal candidate for the flanks due to a lack of speed. While Mueller is able to either play along the flank and change positions up front and in midfield, James only is a man for the position behind the team's spearhead. When people talk about James, Sammer said, "I hear a lot about his variability. But I don't see that variability."